Recent content by sutton8596

GreatCats, it seems to me that if Amtrak didn't open their station, they are at fault. I'm paying for the bus back to Emeryville so I presume if they don't show up, they owe me cash and a free train trip the next day back! Not to mention putting me up at a hotel! Anyway, I'll call Amtrak when...

Caravan Man, your using the brit accent cracked me up. Smart boy! Rafi, (and all), thanks for great advice; I'll likely do the cable car because last time I was on it (and 6am), the thing was empty and the conductor waved my money off since noone was about. I only have one tiny backpack so no...

In November I'm catching the train from Emeryville to Omaha. I'll be staying at the Grant Plaza Hotel near Chinatown. I believe it's a block from the cable cars. The thing is: what time does the Amtrak bus leave the ferry terminal for Emeryville? They'd changed the times so I'm unaware of the...

wow, thanks for the opinions, guys. Perhaps you are right. After so much European travel, and sharing with strangers, it doens't phase me at all; Ha, ha, the best idea is about the pretty girl. Oh well. I've decided to post on the travel companions part of Lonely Planet Thorn Tree; if no one...

Hi all, In a few months, either spring or early fall, I will be doing the north american rail pass. I want to do some segments in a standard bedroom. Any suggestions as to how I can find someone to share the cost? Do you know of any websites or anywhere else to advertise? Finding someone ON the...

Yes, PRR 60 has it right. Chicago is worth a night, just to walk around downtown. If it's winter, go warm up in one of the cafes. I'll recommend the Cass Hotel. http://www.casshotel.com/ A block off Michigan, a five dollar taxi ride from Union Station. Safe, comfy.

Viarail's prices, like those of Amtrak, vary according to the time of year. The Canadian is a spectacular train. The Park Car is wonderful, at the end of the train, both a dome and the lounge. Then there are the dome cars for all classes of passenger: three distinct sitting area with games...

anyone know when it's due to begin?

there should be some info or travelogues at On Track On Line, not sure though. I took the Canadian year before last. Great trip! Man, they do things right up north! The park car is great, and the other lounge cars are, as well. I actually liked the dome better in the other lounge car. Good luck...

congrats, again. You are helping to keep alive a fine tradition in American culture. I've traveled each of the last three summers by Amtrak when back from overseas. Of course not everything runs smoothly on Amtrak, but if you are in the frame of mind that things won't be perfect, you will be...

hi again guys, Do you think Amtrak would give me a break on the upgrade costs if I book in advance, maybe through their 800 number? If you do a lot of coach travel, there's a discount. If I'm booking a bunch of sleeper legs, why not give a discount? Also: I'd love to have a travel companion...

ha! It's always a rough ride through Nebraska at night! Don't worry about it; it's normal. The smart engineer just wants to get out of Nebraska as quickly as possible (I'm from Omaha). :)

Sleeping car accommodation charges will also be refundable (minus the service charge) if the reservation is cancelled at least seven days prior to departure.

Thanks for the advice, guys, and thanks, Steve, for the thought. Fortunately, I'm in Dubai, in the UAE, not only a safe haven, but very interesting. No trains, though :( I'll hang on and see if anyone can verify the new policy. If that's the case, I'll go ahead and book now; hopefully...

Well, I know it's far in advance... I'll be doing the North American pass NEXT October (I can't this October cuz I'm in the Middle East); I've been noticing the high prices on the sleepers on the Internet. I tried putting in dates for next year, and of course, the standard bedroom is much...